30 March 2008
"Bath-tism"
Little Leah Catherine was baptized today at the USD Founders' Chapel! They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so here's a decent length essay:
29 March 2008
Hurdling
I've always had a feeling that track and field would not be my specialty. That's why I have never gone out for it. But life, it seems, is making me run hurdles, nonetheless.
Before I head off to TAC, I have to find myself a job. I've worked for the past couple of years in various capacities -- none of which paid me any money. So, the adventure begins. I have to find myself a job. And for some reason, this is freaking me out. I'm not afraid to work. But finding work is a rather daunting task. There's a huge "unknown" factor involved. You don't know who is going to hire you. You don't know when you get to start. You don't know anything except that you are going to give it your best effort.
But I got over my first hurdle today. I have a nice, neat resume and cover letter finished. Yay! Now I just need to adapt it slightly to suit the three places I'm applying that require a resume and cover letter. If I don't get hired by any of them, then I hoof it through the town.
So, again, I'm going to ask you to pray for me. Pray that I find the job God wants me to have and also that I am able to keep a calm and level head through all of this. Please&ThankYou
Before I head off to TAC, I have to find myself a job. I've worked for the past couple of years in various capacities -- none of which paid me any money. So, the adventure begins. I have to find myself a job. And for some reason, this is freaking me out. I'm not afraid to work. But finding work is a rather daunting task. There's a huge "unknown" factor involved. You don't know who is going to hire you. You don't know when you get to start. You don't know anything except that you are going to give it your best effort.
But I got over my first hurdle today. I have a nice, neat resume and cover letter finished. Yay! Now I just need to adapt it slightly to suit the three places I'm applying that require a resume and cover letter. If I don't get hired by any of them, then I hoof it through the town.
So, again, I'm going to ask you to pray for me. Pray that I find the job God wants me to have and also that I am able to keep a calm and level head through all of this. Please&ThankYou
28 March 2008
I'm HOME
Isn't "home" a wonderful word? It's so warm and cozy and homey. One of the fantastic things about being "back home" is the implied absence from there. Trips are amazing things, so I'm going to tell you about mine. I'm going to go through it day by day. No worries, I'm not really expecting you to get through the whole thing -- this is almost more for me. It'll be something that I can come back to later and read. Eventually details will be blurry in my own imperfect memory. But the internet, it seems, never forgets.
Saturday:
At zero-dark-thirty on Saturday morning, we left for the airport. Airports are fascinating things. As well as slightly scary -- perhaps that adds to their fascination. After our plane landed in the "land of relatives," we were greeted by our grandfather, uncle, and lil' cousin. While the rest of us were absorbed in collecting luggage and doing some catching up with one another, the three year old's main joy was riding up and down the escalators. No real mishaps actually occurred. But some almost did. Three year olds are three year olds, what else can I say? The afternoon was spent lazily. We unpacked, got settled, and I did the hokey pokey. Thankfully, I only had to do it once. I guess my cousin decided it wasn't as thrilling as she had supposed, so she let me off the hook as far as that was concerned. But I did have to play with Barbies. We went to the Easter Vigil Mass at out aunt's parish. It was very nice, actually. They have a new pastor, who would be considered moderate in most circles, but in a very liberal area, he is though to be quite conservative. Unlike his predecessor, he did not change the Consecration, utter heresy from the pulpit, or have an intermission. Sighs of relief issued from all of my immediate family.
Sunday:
Easter Sunday, our grandmother made a spectacular dinner. There was roast beef done to a turn, pasta with homemade sauce, green beans with olive oil and garlic, french rolls, and a gigantic salad. And an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. We always get overfed while visiting our family. We really don't have any control over the amount of food we eat. Our grandparents make a ton of food and detest leftovers. So whatever amount you originally take is surely not going to be the final amount eaten. We had extra extended family over for the occasion. And for the number of people there, there was an absurd volume level.
Monday:
Monday was spent going hither and thither. The boys went off to an airfield restaurant and then to the aerospace museum down the road from it. The girls had some playtime with the three year old and one year old cousins and then went to another cousin's house for her birthday party. She, who turned 18, had a handful of her friends over and they were all eating pizza. When we invaded, the three year old sat at the table with all of the big kids. She looked entirely awestruck. But, despite the chaos, she ate almost her whole slice of pizza, without anyone bribing her. Then the big kids took off to play laser tag (my sis and I were invited to come, but neither of us were very inclined to do so) and my little cousins left for home and nap time. We chatted with the b-day girl's mom for a while, which was nice. After that, we went to my paternal grandmother's house and then took her to dinner. The place we went was just like Mexico. We were the only....well..."gringos" in sight. It was good food, though. After entirely too much food we went back to our grandmother's house and tried to worry down some cake she had made special for us. The cake did Mum in and she spent the entire evening buried under a blanket. The rest of us played a ridiculously complicated card game called "Phase 10" which my sis and grandma got really into. I really detest games, but I played anyway. I was not really paying attention after about an hour. But the game went on, and I only lost to my sis by a little bit. Some more cousins came at about 9:30 (yes, PM!) and I feel really guilty about what happened then. They sat and watched us play cards. Isn't that terrible? We couldn't really have a conversation, so they sat and talked to each other for the most part. It went against every bit of my sense of decorum, but it happened anyway.
Tuesday:
We had lunch with one of my mum's sisters and dinner with the other. (I just noticed that all of our visiting seems to revolve around food) For lunch we had a scrupulously healthy menu. Then we got dragged for a walk. I have weird ankles and knees, so I have to be extraordinarily careful about how and when I walk. I had determined, after doing a fairly sizable walk two days in a row, that I should take the day off. So all I brought were sandals that are terrible walking shoes. I thought I could be stubborn (like I normally am) and hold my ground about not going. I knew I would be miserable the rest of the day if I went, so I was fully intending to stay home. But there is no evading my aunt. I almost got physically pushed out the door. For almost a mile I walked in my sandals. And I got two really painful blisters on the tops of my feet. So I took off my shoes. Now, in my hometown, the sidewalks and streets are extraordinarily well kept. They're nice and smooth and easy to walk on. Well, that doesn't hold true up north. It was like walking on really sharp rocks for the next mile. So I had two gigantic blisters on the bottoms of my feet. The lesson learned, therefore, was that I either need to be better at saying "no" or I have to always bring walking shoes, whether I intend to walk or not. But dinner was more pleasant. We had a Jewish Seder meal. My uncle is Jewish, and even though Passover isn't until April this year, he consented to doing one anyway. Due to his small children, it was fairly abbreviated, but it was cool, nonetheless. And I had my first glass of wine. On an empty stomach. Baaaaaad idea. By the end of the meal, I was ready to fall asleep and I got a nasty headache about four hours later. I guess I should always refrain from drinking.
Wednesday:
Our last day of vacation. We spent lunch (yet another meal) with cousins on our dad's side. Three girls, aged 6, 4, and 2. Adorable girls. After the food part, we played a rambunctious game of hide-and-seek. The two smallest ones didn't quite get the concept. They would hide somewhere, to be sure, but then they'd shout really loud "Yooohoo, I'm over here!" over and over again. Hysterically funny. The girls were so cute. They'd say the funniest things, but without the slightest intention of being funny. My muscles got good exercise that day, trying too keep down unholy shrieks of laughter which would have offended them.
Nothing happened on Thursday that was of much consequence. We just came home. And, to quote from the "Madeline" books: That's all there is. There isn't anymore.
Saturday:
At zero-dark-thirty on Saturday morning, we left for the airport. Airports are fascinating things. As well as slightly scary -- perhaps that adds to their fascination. After our plane landed in the "land of relatives," we were greeted by our grandfather, uncle, and lil' cousin. While the rest of us were absorbed in collecting luggage and doing some catching up with one another, the three year old's main joy was riding up and down the escalators. No real mishaps actually occurred. But some almost did. Three year olds are three year olds, what else can I say? The afternoon was spent lazily. We unpacked, got settled, and I did the hokey pokey. Thankfully, I only had to do it once. I guess my cousin decided it wasn't as thrilling as she had supposed, so she let me off the hook as far as that was concerned. But I did have to play with Barbies. We went to the Easter Vigil Mass at out aunt's parish. It was very nice, actually. They have a new pastor, who would be considered moderate in most circles, but in a very liberal area, he is though to be quite conservative. Unlike his predecessor, he did not change the Consecration, utter heresy from the pulpit, or have an intermission. Sighs of relief issued from all of my immediate family.
Sunday:
Easter Sunday, our grandmother made a spectacular dinner. There was roast beef done to a turn, pasta with homemade sauce, green beans with olive oil and garlic, french rolls, and a gigantic salad. And an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. We always get overfed while visiting our family. We really don't have any control over the amount of food we eat. Our grandparents make a ton of food and detest leftovers. So whatever amount you originally take is surely not going to be the final amount eaten. We had extra extended family over for the occasion. And for the number of people there, there was an absurd volume level.
Monday:
Monday was spent going hither and thither. The boys went off to an airfield restaurant and then to the aerospace museum down the road from it. The girls had some playtime with the three year old and one year old cousins and then went to another cousin's house for her birthday party. She, who turned 18, had a handful of her friends over and they were all eating pizza. When we invaded, the three year old sat at the table with all of the big kids. She looked entirely awestruck. But, despite the chaos, she ate almost her whole slice of pizza, without anyone bribing her. Then the big kids took off to play laser tag (my sis and I were invited to come, but neither of us were very inclined to do so) and my little cousins left for home and nap time. We chatted with the b-day girl's mom for a while, which was nice. After that, we went to my paternal grandmother's house and then took her to dinner. The place we went was just like Mexico. We were the only....well..."gringos" in sight. It was good food, though. After entirely too much food we went back to our grandmother's house and tried to worry down some cake she had made special for us. The cake did Mum in and she spent the entire evening buried under a blanket. The rest of us played a ridiculously complicated card game called "Phase 10" which my sis and grandma got really into. I really detest games, but I played anyway. I was not really paying attention after about an hour. But the game went on, and I only lost to my sis by a little bit. Some more cousins came at about 9:30 (yes, PM!) and I feel really guilty about what happened then. They sat and watched us play cards. Isn't that terrible? We couldn't really have a conversation, so they sat and talked to each other for the most part. It went against every bit of my sense of decorum, but it happened anyway.
Tuesday:
We had lunch with one of my mum's sisters and dinner with the other. (I just noticed that all of our visiting seems to revolve around food) For lunch we had a scrupulously healthy menu. Then we got dragged for a walk. I have weird ankles and knees, so I have to be extraordinarily careful about how and when I walk. I had determined, after doing a fairly sizable walk two days in a row, that I should take the day off. So all I brought were sandals that are terrible walking shoes. I thought I could be stubborn (like I normally am) and hold my ground about not going. I knew I would be miserable the rest of the day if I went, so I was fully intending to stay home. But there is no evading my aunt. I almost got physically pushed out the door. For almost a mile I walked in my sandals. And I got two really painful blisters on the tops of my feet. So I took off my shoes. Now, in my hometown, the sidewalks and streets are extraordinarily well kept. They're nice and smooth and easy to walk on. Well, that doesn't hold true up north. It was like walking on really sharp rocks for the next mile. So I had two gigantic blisters on the bottoms of my feet. The lesson learned, therefore, was that I either need to be better at saying "no" or I have to always bring walking shoes, whether I intend to walk or not. But dinner was more pleasant. We had a Jewish Seder meal. My uncle is Jewish, and even though Passover isn't until April this year, he consented to doing one anyway. Due to his small children, it was fairly abbreviated, but it was cool, nonetheless. And I had my first glass of wine. On an empty stomach. Baaaaaad idea. By the end of the meal, I was ready to fall asleep and I got a nasty headache about four hours later. I guess I should always refrain from drinking.
Wednesday:
Our last day of vacation. We spent lunch (yet another meal) with cousins on our dad's side. Three girls, aged 6, 4, and 2. Adorable girls. After the food part, we played a rambunctious game of hide-and-seek. The two smallest ones didn't quite get the concept. They would hide somewhere, to be sure, but then they'd shout really loud "Yooohoo, I'm over here!" over and over again. Hysterically funny. The girls were so cute. They'd say the funniest things, but without the slightest intention of being funny. My muscles got good exercise that day, trying too keep down unholy shrieks of laughter which would have offended them.
Nothing happened on Thursday that was of much consequence. We just came home. And, to quote from the "Madeline" books: That's all there is. There isn't anymore.
20 March 2008
Ciao!
Today is Holy Thursday. The first day of the Tridium. Something that I have never been able to spell right. But they are three of the most important days of the Church year. I should really learn how to spell...
This'll be my last post for a while. Certain people have commented on my excessive amount of posting, but they shall get a reprieve over the next week. Tomorrow, being Good Friday, is a day too solemn for things such as blog posting. Some of you may disagree with me, but this is one thing I feel very strongly about -- so you might as well let me have my way.
Saturday morning (early!) the mob takes off to spend Easter with our extended family. It is the first time we have taken a plane together in about 8 years. And the first time we have spent Easter with our insane Italian family since we moved away. There won't be anything too surprising, though. There will be lots of food, lots of noise, and lots of love.
My two (and only) first cousins on my mom's side are now three years old and 17 months. The older one has her daddy's insanely curly hair and her mommy's flair for the dramatic. She is very excited for our arrival, declaring her readiness to do the hokey-pokey with yours truly. Hanging out with little children gives one the opportunity to do things that would ordinarily be considered very silly. I do extraordinarily silly things anyway...but moving on
The younger (my Godson) is VERY chunky, but very jolly. He hasn't learned to love his cousins yet. The time between visits is too long for a baby to remember us from one to the other. But that won't stop us from having fun anyway! After all, cousins (especially Godparents) have a definite right to spoil adorable children.
Then there are other cousins: the three little girls who are obsessed with my brother, the one who shares my birthday, but it thirty years older, the one whom I was baptized with, the one who's a walking brain... and the list goes on. In our family, a cousin is a cousin no matter how distantly they might be related. Family is important to Italians, what can I say?
And all of this is a really long way of saying, "I'm going to be gone for a week."
So, yeah. I'm going to be gone for a week. :D
This'll be my last post for a while. Certain people have commented on my excessive amount of posting, but they shall get a reprieve over the next week. Tomorrow, being Good Friday, is a day too solemn for things such as blog posting. Some of you may disagree with me, but this is one thing I feel very strongly about -- so you might as well let me have my way.
Saturday morning (early!) the mob takes off to spend Easter with our extended family. It is the first time we have taken a plane together in about 8 years. And the first time we have spent Easter with our insane Italian family since we moved away. There won't be anything too surprising, though. There will be lots of food, lots of noise, and lots of love.
My two (and only) first cousins on my mom's side are now three years old and 17 months. The older one has her daddy's insanely curly hair and her mommy's flair for the dramatic. She is very excited for our arrival, declaring her readiness to do the hokey-pokey with yours truly. Hanging out with little children gives one the opportunity to do things that would ordinarily be considered very silly. I do extraordinarily silly things anyway...but moving on
The younger (my Godson) is VERY chunky, but very jolly. He hasn't learned to love his cousins yet. The time between visits is too long for a baby to remember us from one to the other. But that won't stop us from having fun anyway! After all, cousins (especially Godparents) have a definite right to spoil adorable children.
Then there are other cousins: the three little girls who are obsessed with my brother, the one who shares my birthday, but it thirty years older, the one whom I was baptized with, the one who's a walking brain... and the list goes on. In our family, a cousin is a cousin no matter how distantly they might be related. Family is important to Italians, what can I say?
And all of this is a really long way of saying, "I'm going to be gone for a week."
So, yeah. I'm going to be gone for a week. :D
19 March 2008
From a Daddy's Girl
Dad would never do this...but I have a friend who would. Actually, he's already assured me that he will. Except in his case it would be "guns." Enjoy! :D
18 March 2008
17 March 2008
Bobby Coeur, Rest in Peace
My life seems to be full of this type of thing right now. We must all keep reminding ourselves and each other that death is not the end - it is only the beginning of the grandest adventure of them all. Below is the message sent out to the CAP squadron members, edited slightly.
"I regret to inform you that one of our former cadets, C/2Lt Bobby Coeur perished in a car accident early during the morning of Saturday 15 March 2008.
"As you might recall, Bobby was the Cadet Commander prior to C/2Lt Connolly’s command. They were good friends along with C/2Lt Kler. Cadets Kler and Bobby graduated together from high school last June.
"Bobby was a king pin at our squadron, pitching in where ever he could. He was the 2006 California Wing NCO of the Year in which the Wing Commander awarded this prestigious award to him along with a Commander’s Commendation Medal. He was also a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Badge last summer. Was attending junior college and on their baseball team last year. He also was working at Stater Brothers in where he lived, receiving many compliments from the management concerning his work ethics and performance on the job.
"During this Tuesday’s moral leadership session, Maj Mariya, our Squadron Chaplain will conduct a special discussion about grief.
"Funeral arrangements are being planned and when they are finalized, I will let you know when/where it will be. If you can attend, we hope you’ll wear your sharpest CAP uniform.
Regretfully,
Maj Ammann
Commander"
Please pray for him and his family. God bless and Mary keep us all!
"I regret to inform you that one of our former cadets, C/2Lt Bobby Coeur perished in a car accident early during the morning of Saturday 15 March 2008.
"As you might recall, Bobby was the Cadet Commander prior to C/2Lt Connolly’s command. They were good friends along with C/2Lt Kler. Cadets Kler and Bobby graduated together from high school last June.
"Bobby was a king pin at our squadron, pitching in where ever he could. He was the 2006 California Wing NCO of the Year in which the Wing Commander awarded this prestigious award to him along with a Commander’s Commendation Medal. He was also a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Badge last summer. Was attending junior college and on their baseball team last year. He also was working at Stater Brothers in where he lived, receiving many compliments from the management concerning his work ethics and performance on the job.
"During this Tuesday’s moral leadership session, Maj Mariya, our Squadron Chaplain will conduct a special discussion about grief.
"Funeral arrangements are being planned and when they are finalized, I will let you know when/where it will be. If you can attend, we hope you’ll wear your sharpest CAP uniform.
Regretfully,
Maj Ammann
Commander"
Please pray for him and his family. God bless and Mary keep us all!
16 March 2008
In Loving Memory
This is from the program at my great-aunt Norma's funeral. She was eighty years and three days old when she passed away.
A Parable of Immortality
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There she goes!"
Gone where? gone from my sight -- that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side. Her diminished size is in my, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There she goes!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
"Here she comes!"
Auntie Norma, you will be greatly missed!
"Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
A Parable of Immortality
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There she goes!"
Gone where? gone from my sight -- that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side. Her diminished size is in my, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There she goes!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
"Here she comes!"
Auntie Norma, you will be greatly missed!
"Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
15 March 2008
Home Alone
I'm sitting at home. All alone. Well, not quite. Sam and Wanda are here, but they're being so quiet at the moment,I might as well be alone.
So I decided to take some pictures. I know I promised pictures of my dress and Mum's skirt when they were done, so I thought I'd make good on that promise. Taking pictures of oneself is harder than it looks! I spent a good twenty minutes trying to get a picture that was focused and had the right exposure. To compound my problem, was that I was trying to get a picture that was at least semi-flattering. I'll let you decide if I succeeded.
And, while I was running back and forth, I had a dog chasing me and barking at me. Sam is a herding dog and if any one of "his people" doesn't stay still, he feels obligated to follow that person around. The faster that person is moving, the more excited he gets.
Then there's my spliced toe. I ran the front door over it yesterday and put a large, disgusting-looking gash in it. (I debated putting the Really Gross Picture on here, but I decided to save you all that misery.) It rather complicated the picture taking process -- instead of being able to run over to where the camera was focused, I had to hobble and avoid Sam's nasty little trick of wrapping his paw around your lower leg as you're walking, causing you to do a glorious faceplant.
But a promise is a promise, no matter how small. So here's your picture. I'll take one of Mum's skirt when after I regain a parcel of my sanity.
So I decided to take some pictures. I know I promised pictures of my dress and Mum's skirt when they were done, so I thought I'd make good on that promise. Taking pictures of oneself is harder than it looks! I spent a good twenty minutes trying to get a picture that was focused and had the right exposure. To compound my problem, was that I was trying to get a picture that was at least semi-flattering. I'll let you decide if I succeeded.
And, while I was running back and forth, I had a dog chasing me and barking at me. Sam is a herding dog and if any one of "his people" doesn't stay still, he feels obligated to follow that person around. The faster that person is moving, the more excited he gets.
Then there's my spliced toe. I ran the front door over it yesterday and put a large, disgusting-looking gash in it. (I debated putting the Really Gross Picture on here, but I decided to save you all that misery.) It rather complicated the picture taking process -- instead of being able to run over to where the camera was focused, I had to hobble and avoid Sam's nasty little trick of wrapping his paw around your lower leg as you're walking, causing you to do a glorious faceplant.
But a promise is a promise, no matter how small. So here's your picture. I'll take one of Mum's skirt when after I regain a parcel of my sanity.
14 March 2008
Flubs a la O. Praem
A Norbertine priest comes once a week to teach us kids religion. For homework, he gives us a sheet of notes that are basically a condensed version of whatever source book he is using. (In case anyone's curious, this semester it is the Didache Series book "The History of the Church")
He must've been incredibly distracted this week, for the sheet contained an unprecedented number of mistakes. A sampling:
"St. Joan of Arc was burned at the state"
"The Black Plaque killed 25 million people"
"England had the upper hand due to the long bow French Civil War" (in case anyone can't tell, there is supposed to be an "and the" in between to make two causes...some people thought the "bow" was the mistake. Just to clarify)
Then there were some fairly minor typos, such as "poisned" instead of poisoned and "Pitrarch" instead of "Petrarch"
The winner of the afternoon, though, was something he actually said, while trying to correct the following:
"Michaelangelo's most famous sculpture is the Piet'a."
When explaining how to fix it, he instructed the class to "cross out the apostasy and insert an accent mark."
Hehe :D
He must've been incredibly distracted this week, for the sheet contained an unprecedented number of mistakes. A sampling:
"St. Joan of Arc was burned at the state"
"The Black Plaque killed 25 million people"
"England had the upper hand due to the long bow French Civil War" (in case anyone can't tell, there is supposed to be an "and the" in between to make two causes...some people thought the "bow" was the mistake. Just to clarify)
Then there were some fairly minor typos, such as "poisned" instead of poisoned and "Pitrarch" instead of "Petrarch"
The winner of the afternoon, though, was something he actually said, while trying to correct the following:
"Michaelangelo's most famous sculpture is the Piet'a."
When explaining how to fix it, he instructed the class to "cross out the apostasy and insert an accent mark."
Hehe :D
'Venturing
Yesterday, a local talk radio host sponsored a "family day" in the parking lot behind the station. A couple of families we know went, and as my brother and I were spending the day with one of them, we tagged along.
Twelve of us piled into their eleven seater van for the drive. It was a squash, but also vastly entertaining. Close quarters always provide different sources of amusement than when everyone has a "personal bubble." When we arrived, the dad of the family dropped us off at the curb while he continued to fight for a parking space. I'll try to describe the slightly chaotic scene, but my success is something that the readers will have to determine for themselves. On the side closest to us was a line of people holding clip-boards with their backs to us. A parade of cars was slowly driving by next to them. This, as we discovered, was a sort of petition signing "drive-thru." Basically, if you didn't have time to stop and eat free food (more on that later), you could drive along this little lane and sign some or all of the petitions being offered.
Once we got past the petition parade, a children's choir was what next demanded our attention. About fifty kids from a local Lutheran church were entertaining the crowd with various patriotic songs. I was expecting a slightly painful experience, but they were surprisingly good.
Then there were the people. The radio host said numbered them at the thousands. I'd say that was a bit of an exaggeration. I'd number it at no more than three hundred. But still, three hundred people crammed into the tiny upper parking lot is no laughing matter. I always seemed to be in someone's way, or stepping on someone's toes. I didn't know someone as short as myself could feel so giant and awkward.
Once boredom set in, we went in search of the free food that was advertised. We found the hamburger stand and got in line. And stayed in line. For about half an hour. By the time we actually got to the front of the line, I was really hungry and even the hamburger with barbecue sauce that resembled toothpaste in texture and had been burnt on tasted good.
Then, our 'venture was cut short. The three year old in the family had to go to the bathroom. And her mum couldn't find anywhere to take her. (It seems kind of silly -- have a family event with all of these little kids, but have no bathroom?) So the decision was made to leave as soon as possible. Oh, don't worry, the little girl had found somewhere to go, but it was not exactly an option that any of her older siblings would be happy with if THEY had to use it. So, full of free food and ears ringing with the noises of chaos, we piled back in the van and drove home. The End.
Actually, not quite. I have to throw this out there: If you are a registered voter in CA and have not signed a Sarah's Law petition, please find somewhere where you can do so! It's very important! Please&ThankYou
Twelve of us piled into their eleven seater van for the drive. It was a squash, but also vastly entertaining. Close quarters always provide different sources of amusement than when everyone has a "personal bubble." When we arrived, the dad of the family dropped us off at the curb while he continued to fight for a parking space. I'll try to describe the slightly chaotic scene, but my success is something that the readers will have to determine for themselves. On the side closest to us was a line of people holding clip-boards with their backs to us. A parade of cars was slowly driving by next to them. This, as we discovered, was a sort of petition signing "drive-thru." Basically, if you didn't have time to stop and eat free food (more on that later), you could drive along this little lane and sign some or all of the petitions being offered.
Once we got past the petition parade, a children's choir was what next demanded our attention. About fifty kids from a local Lutheran church were entertaining the crowd with various patriotic songs. I was expecting a slightly painful experience, but they were surprisingly good.
Then there were the people. The radio host said numbered them at the thousands. I'd say that was a bit of an exaggeration. I'd number it at no more than three hundred. But still, three hundred people crammed into the tiny upper parking lot is no laughing matter. I always seemed to be in someone's way, or stepping on someone's toes. I didn't know someone as short as myself could feel so giant and awkward.
Once boredom set in, we went in search of the free food that was advertised. We found the hamburger stand and got in line. And stayed in line. For about half an hour. By the time we actually got to the front of the line, I was really hungry and even the hamburger with barbecue sauce that resembled toothpaste in texture and had been burnt on tasted good.
Then, our 'venture was cut short. The three year old in the family had to go to the bathroom. And her mum couldn't find anywhere to take her. (It seems kind of silly -- have a family event with all of these little kids, but have no bathroom?) So the decision was made to leave as soon as possible. Oh, don't worry, the little girl had found somewhere to go, but it was not exactly an option that any of her older siblings would be happy with if THEY had to use it. So, full of free food and ears ringing with the noises of chaos, we piled back in the van and drove home. The End.
Actually, not quite. I have to throw this out there: If you are a registered voter in CA and have not signed a Sarah's Law petition, please find somewhere where you can do so! It's very important! Please&ThankYou
12 March 2008
Twiddling My Thumbs
My voice lesson got canceled tonight due to somebody overbooking in the church, so I'm left with a little time to myself.
Even with the cancellation the calendar is pretty full tonight: Mum, Dad, and either myself or my lil bro will be taking our lovely doggies to go meet the lady they will be staying with while we're gone over Easter. Apparently this is a necessary precaution. We have to make sure the dogs like the lady, yes, but more importantly we have to make sure she can deal with them. They can be quite a handful. "Handful" may even be an understatement. With us at home, they can be a little hyper by turns, but it isn't anything totally ridiculous. But they both get very, very excited about new people. Jumping is something they do in profusion and our golden retriever licks everything she can reach...and tries for things she can't.
Then, when we come home (if everyone survives the venture), Mum has to pack for her trip. She's leaving tomorrow morning on an airplane for her aunt's funeral. She, however, unlike the man in the song, knows when she'll be back again. I get to try to fill a small fraction of her ginormous shoes until Saturday afternoon. My role isn't anything that exceptional -- just feeding the dogs and not leaving doors open when we leave the house...y'know. But absent minded me might have a hard time keeping up with it. sigh
It's also trash night...and the dishes have to get done....the dogs have to be kept in line...I need to practice my singing...and then maybe, just maybe, we will have some time to sit around and talk. Maybe.
Even with the cancellation the calendar is pretty full tonight: Mum, Dad, and either myself or my lil bro will be taking our lovely doggies to go meet the lady they will be staying with while we're gone over Easter. Apparently this is a necessary precaution. We have to make sure the dogs like the lady, yes, but more importantly we have to make sure she can deal with them. They can be quite a handful. "Handful" may even be an understatement. With us at home, they can be a little hyper by turns, but it isn't anything totally ridiculous. But they both get very, very excited about new people. Jumping is something they do in profusion and our golden retriever licks everything she can reach...and tries for things she can't.
Then, when we come home (if everyone survives the venture), Mum has to pack for her trip. She's leaving tomorrow morning on an airplane for her aunt's funeral. She, however, unlike the man in the song, knows when she'll be back again. I get to try to fill a small fraction of her ginormous shoes until Saturday afternoon. My role isn't anything that exceptional -- just feeding the dogs and not leaving doors open when we leave the house...y'know. But absent minded me might have a hard time keeping up with it. sigh
It's also trash night...and the dishes have to get done....the dogs have to be kept in line...I need to practice my singing...and then maybe, just maybe, we will have some time to sit around and talk. Maybe.
11 March 2008
History in the Making
At my lil' bro's CAP meeting tonight, an interesting event took place. This is how it was reported to me:
Maj. Ammann: Cadet Lynch, front and center
Lil bro walks up and salutes Maj. Ammann
Maj. Ammann: How do you spell your sister's name?
Lil bro: I don't know, sir
Needless to say, his response to the question produced much laughter amongst his fellow cadets. Apparently the point of this discourse was to give me an award. ME! When I inquired for a reason, I was told that it was for my helping out at the 4th of July parade last year. So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen: I'm the first water buffalo to ever receive a CAP award! How exciting is that?!?!
Note to self: teach lil bro how to spell my name...
Maj. Ammann: Cadet Lynch, front and center
Lil bro walks up and salutes Maj. Ammann
Maj. Ammann: How do you spell your sister's name?
Lil bro: I don't know, sir
Needless to say, his response to the question produced much laughter amongst his fellow cadets. Apparently the point of this discourse was to give me an award. ME! When I inquired for a reason, I was told that it was for my helping out at the 4th of July parade last year. So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen: I'm the first water buffalo to ever receive a CAP award! How exciting is that?!?!
Note to self: teach lil bro how to spell my name...
10 March 2008
Baby Monday
Well, technically, Monday afternoon. I spent almost four hours helping out with the twins today! Sooooooo much fun!!!!!!!! They're soooooooooo cute and sooooooo BIG now! George Nicholas weighed in at 9 lbs 7 ozs today and his sister at about eight and a half. They're getting past that stage where they look just like scrunched up little things into the stage of being really, truly cute. You can ALWAYS find something nice to say about a baby...but it's so much easier when they start to get CUTE!
Their poor mother, though. Talk of an overachiever. That's one revelation this experience has given me -- I can never, in all honesty, be labeled an overachiever. Compared to this lady, I am the queen of serenity. We tackled the pile of clothes in the twins' "bedroom" today. The bed was literally covered with clothes of all sizes, shapes, and colors. We managed to get everything sorted into girls and boys piles, and those sorted into sizes and type (trousers, sleepers, onsies, outfits, etc.) We then put all of the clothes into their dressers. Coral has just about enough 0-3 month clothes that if her mother changed her everyday she would have enough outfits to last until she outgrew them. Without doing any washing for her. George isn't quite so lucky. He has a few outfits he fits into now, and a bunch for when he's two. He's a little sparse in between the two stages, however. However, I'm rambling. The point of this paragraph is, that after we accomplished all of this, I said something about how much we had gotten done. she didn't agree with me. All she sees is the stuff she still has to do. She never acknowledges what she has managed to do. Poor thing. This could be a rough couple of months.
Nonetheless, the babies are unpardonably adorable, and eating and sleeping better and better every time I see them (which is about once a week). Before the parents know it, their children will be sleeping through the night, putting food in their own mouths, and managing to function like every other child, teenager, and (soon enough) adult has for since B.C.
And, on the way home, I was welcomed by this:
"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with." ~ Mark Twain
Their poor mother, though. Talk of an overachiever. That's one revelation this experience has given me -- I can never, in all honesty, be labeled an overachiever. Compared to this lady, I am the queen of serenity. We tackled the pile of clothes in the twins' "bedroom" today. The bed was literally covered with clothes of all sizes, shapes, and colors. We managed to get everything sorted into girls and boys piles, and those sorted into sizes and type (trousers, sleepers, onsies, outfits, etc.) We then put all of the clothes into their dressers. Coral has just about enough 0-3 month clothes that if her mother changed her everyday she would have enough outfits to last until she outgrew them. Without doing any washing for her. George isn't quite so lucky. He has a few outfits he fits into now, and a bunch for when he's two. He's a little sparse in between the two stages, however. However, I'm rambling. The point of this paragraph is, that after we accomplished all of this, I said something about how much we had gotten done. she didn't agree with me. All she sees is the stuff she still has to do. She never acknowledges what she has managed to do. Poor thing. This could be a rough couple of months.
Nonetheless, the babies are unpardonably adorable, and eating and sleeping better and better every time I see them (which is about once a week). Before the parents know it, their children will be sleeping through the night, putting food in their own mouths, and managing to function like every other child, teenager, and (soon enough) adult has for since B.C.
And, on the way home, I was welcomed by this:
"Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with." ~ Mark Twain
09 March 2008
Flubs
Some recent slip-ups of the English language as displayed by people around me in the past couple of days.
"I, shamefully enough, took advantage of that atmosphere of animosity." He meant anonymity. And HE was a literature major.
"He wants to change the world and be the kind of person who people will listen to." My beloved sis was talking of someone who I always thought of as very down to earth and humble. Apparently she meant "will talk to." Otherwise the poor guy will become a dictator of a severe magnitude.
"I'm her sister." Spoken by my brother. Poor guy.
"It would seem necessary for the evolution of the human species." I MEANT propagation.
"For all you sopranos who don't have the music, I'm going to challenge you not to look at it." Another bit of proof that our choir director is really intelligent.
Ah, life. Mr. Bennet summarized it marvelously, I believe: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn."
"I, shamefully enough, took advantage of that atmosphere of animosity." He meant anonymity. And HE was a literature major.
"He wants to change the world and be the kind of person who people will listen to." My beloved sis was talking of someone who I always thought of as very down to earth and humble. Apparently she meant "will talk to." Otherwise the poor guy will become a dictator of a severe magnitude.
"I'm her sister." Spoken by my brother. Poor guy.
"It would seem necessary for the evolution of the human species." I MEANT propagation.
"For all you sopranos who don't have the music, I'm going to challenge you not to look at it." Another bit of proof that our choir director is really intelligent.
Ah, life. Mr. Bennet summarized it marvelously, I believe: "For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn."
07 March 2008
"Gemplums"
I don't often get really frustrated, but today I did. The source of this frustration: men. Or rather, boys pretending to be men. AAAAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!
In my journey towards "ladyhood," I am trying to learn that poise which distinguishes a true lady from your run of the mill woman. I'm not very good at it yet. I'll be the first to admit that I have a long way to go. But how is a girl to learn how to be a lady, if she can't seem to find ANY gentlemen?
Alright, maybe that statement isn't fair. I suppose I have met gentlemen. No guys is perfect, but a lot of them are decent, respectful, and kind towards me. But for some reason, they're not the ones that leave a distinct impression on me. The ones who leave a distinct impression are the ones who make me frustrated. ok, ok, I'll call it what it is...they make me mad.
There are two....well, let's call them specimens of the male gender...who are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I get attention from both of them, and none of it is satisfactory or pleasing. From one I get overly profuse notice which is meant in the nicest way, and from the other I get insulting, unjust, and occasionally mind-boggling accusations. What's a girl to do? With the former, I try to be nice to him so I don't hurt his feelings and with the latter, I just bite my tongue and hold back all of the terribly mean things I could say to him. Neither course of action ends happily. One leaves me incredibly embarrassed and frustrated and the other leaves me insulted and frustrated. Put the two together and you have the perfect recipe for a good, long cry.
Like the one I will probably succumb to after shortly after going to bed tonight. And THAT isn't very ladylike.
So, if you have an extra prayer to spare, send one my way. Please&ThankYou
In my journey towards "ladyhood," I am trying to learn that poise which distinguishes a true lady from your run of the mill woman. I'm not very good at it yet. I'll be the first to admit that I have a long way to go. But how is a girl to learn how to be a lady, if she can't seem to find ANY gentlemen?
Alright, maybe that statement isn't fair. I suppose I have met gentlemen. No guys is perfect, but a lot of them are decent, respectful, and kind towards me. But for some reason, they're not the ones that leave a distinct impression on me. The ones who leave a distinct impression are the ones who make me frustrated. ok, ok, I'll call it what it is...they make me mad.
There are two....well, let's call them specimens of the male gender...who are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I get attention from both of them, and none of it is satisfactory or pleasing. From one I get overly profuse notice which is meant in the nicest way, and from the other I get insulting, unjust, and occasionally mind-boggling accusations. What's a girl to do? With the former, I try to be nice to him so I don't hurt his feelings and with the latter, I just bite my tongue and hold back all of the terribly mean things I could say to him. Neither course of action ends happily. One leaves me incredibly embarrassed and frustrated and the other leaves me insulted and frustrated. Put the two together and you have the perfect recipe for a good, long cry.
Like the one I will probably succumb to after shortly after going to bed tonight. And THAT isn't very ladylike.
So, if you have an extra prayer to spare, send one my way. Please&ThankYou
06 March 2008
"Actually Sort of Decent"
My Jewish uncle sent my family these. And, if you know my uncle, the above statement is praise of the highest kind. So, without further ado:
JEWISH HAIKU
Lacking fins or tail
the gefilte fish swims with
great difficulty.
On Passover we
opened the door for Elijah.
Now our cat is gone.
After the warm rain
the sweet smell of camellias.
Did you wipe your feet?
Her lips near my ear,
Aunt Sadie whispers the name
of her friend's disease.
Today I am a man.
Tomorrow I will return
to the seventh grade.
The sparkling blue sea
reminds me to wait an hour
after my sandwich.
Like a bonsai tree,
is your terrible posture
at my dinner table.
Jews on safari --
map, compass, elephant gun,
hard sucking candies.
The same kimono
the top geishas are wearing:
I got it at Loehmann's.
The shivah visit:
so sorry about your loss.
Now back to my problems.
Mom, please! There is no
need to put that dinner roll
in your pocketbook.
Seven-foot Jews in
the NBA slam-dunking!
My alarm clock rings.
Sorry I'm not home
to take your call. At the tone
please state your bad news.
Is one Nobel Prize
so much to ask from a child
after all I've done?
Today, mild shvitzing.
Tomorrow, so hot you'll plotz.
Five-day forecast: feh
Yenta. Shmeer. Gevalt.
Shlemiel. Shlimazl. Meshuganah
Oy! To be fluent!
Quietly murmured
at Saturday Synagogue services,
Yanks 5, Red Sox 3.
A lovely nose ring,
excuse me while I put my
head in the oven.
Hard to tell under the lights.
White Yarmulke or
male-pattern baldness.
And since we're in an Eastern mode, here' s some
Jewish Buddhism for the Jewbu's among us:
If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?
Be here now.
Be someplace else later.
Is that so complicated?
Drink tea and nourish life;
with the first sip, joy;
with the second sip, satisfaction;
with the third sip, peace;
with the fourth, a Danish.
Wherever you go, there you are.
Your luggage is another story.
Accept misfortune as a blessing.
Do not wish for perfect health, or a life without
problems.
What would you talk about?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a
single Oy.
Zen is not easy.
It takes effort to attain nothingness.
And then what do you have?
Bupkis.
The Tao does not speak.
The Tao does not blame.
The Tao does not take sides.
The Tao has no expectations.
The Tao demands nothing of others.
The Tao is not Jewish.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the
least of your problems.
Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers.
Each flower blossoms ten thousand times.
Each blossom has ten thousand petals.
You might want to see a specialist.
Be aware of your body.
Be aware of your perceptions.
Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a
symptom of a terminal illness.
The Torah says,
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Buddha says,
There is no self.
So, maybe we're off the hook.
A note from your bagel: If His chosen people have a sense of humour, can that be used as proof that He does? :D
JEWISH HAIKU
Lacking fins or tail
the gefilte fish swims with
great difficulty.
On Passover we
opened the door for Elijah.
Now our cat is gone.
After the warm rain
the sweet smell of camellias.
Did you wipe your feet?
Her lips near my ear,
Aunt Sadie whispers the name
of her friend's disease.
Today I am a man.
Tomorrow I will return
to the seventh grade.
The sparkling blue sea
reminds me to wait an hour
after my sandwich.
Like a bonsai tree,
is your terrible posture
at my dinner table.
Jews on safari --
map, compass, elephant gun,
hard sucking candies.
The same kimono
the top geishas are wearing:
I got it at Loehmann's.
The shivah visit:
so sorry about your loss.
Now back to my problems.
Mom, please! There is no
need to put that dinner roll
in your pocketbook.
Seven-foot Jews in
the NBA slam-dunking!
My alarm clock rings.
Sorry I'm not home
to take your call. At the tone
please state your bad news.
Is one Nobel Prize
so much to ask from a child
after all I've done?
Today, mild shvitzing.
Tomorrow, so hot you'll plotz.
Five-day forecast: feh
Yenta. Shmeer. Gevalt.
Shlemiel. Shlimazl. Meshuganah
Oy! To be fluent!
Quietly murmured
at Saturday Synagogue services,
Yanks 5, Red Sox 3.
A lovely nose ring,
excuse me while I put my
head in the oven.
Hard to tell under the lights.
White Yarmulke or
male-pattern baldness.
And since we're in an Eastern mode, here' s some
Jewish Buddhism for the Jewbu's among us:
If there is no self, whose arthritis is this?
Be here now.
Be someplace else later.
Is that so complicated?
Drink tea and nourish life;
with the first sip, joy;
with the second sip, satisfaction;
with the third sip, peace;
with the fourth, a Danish.
Wherever you go, there you are.
Your luggage is another story.
Accept misfortune as a blessing.
Do not wish for perfect health, or a life without
problems.
What would you talk about?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a
single Oy.
Zen is not easy.
It takes effort to attain nothingness.
And then what do you have?
Bupkis.
The Tao does not speak.
The Tao does not blame.
The Tao does not take sides.
The Tao has no expectations.
The Tao demands nothing of others.
The Tao is not Jewish.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the
least of your problems.
Deep inside you are ten thousand flowers.
Each flower blossoms ten thousand times.
Each blossom has ten thousand petals.
You might want to see a specialist.
Be aware of your body.
Be aware of your perceptions.
Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a
symptom of a terminal illness.
The Torah says,
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Buddha says,
There is no self.
So, maybe we're off the hook.
A note from your bagel: If His chosen people have a sense of humour, can that be used as proof that He does? :D
School Pride
I'm warming up my loyal feelings for fall. Go TAC!!!
"Most Popular Colleges: Liberal Arts Colleges
"So which colleges do students really want to go to? One way to find out is to look at a school’s yield, the percentage of applicants accepted by a university who end up enrolling at that institution in the fall. The figures in this table are from the fall 2006 entering class and show the admit yield and overall acceptance rate. If a school has a high yield (a large proportion of those admitted enroll), it means that the school is most likely very popular with a top reputation and that the students are highly motivated to go there. A very low yield means that the school could be a “safety” or second choice for many of those who apply. Colleges use yield as a key factor in determining how many students they need to admit each year."
Source: U.S. News
According to their figures, the third most popular liberal arts college in the U.S. according to yield is, you guessed it, TAC!!! The first and second: United States Military Academy in NY and United States Naval Academy in MD.
Go TAC!!!!!!!
05 March 2008
Cinderella
For a few years I have listened to a lot of country music. Now, before you exit this page in disgust, I want to tell you why. I'm not a huge fan of the twangy-ness or the steel guitar. But occasionally one comes across a really cute song on country radio. And I have NEVER heard a cute song on any other station. A recent example:
Stealing Cinderella
sung by Chuck Wicks
"I came to see her daddy for a sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret I'd be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
With at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf
"She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I'm Prince Charming
But to him I'm just some fella'
Riding in and stealing Cinderella
"I leaned in towards those pictures to get a better look at one
When I heard a voice behind me say "Now, ain't she something, son?"
I said "Yes, she quite a woman"
and he just stared at me
Then I realized that in his eyes she would always be
"Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I'm Prince Charming
But to him I'm just some fella
Riding in and stealing Cinderella
"He slapped me on the shoulder
Then he called her in the room
When she threw her arms around him
That's when I could see it too
"Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can't blame the fella'
I'm the one who's stealing Cinderella"
See what I mean? :D
Stealing Cinderella
sung by Chuck Wicks
"I came to see her daddy for a sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret I'd be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
With at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf
"She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I'm Prince Charming
But to him I'm just some fella'
Riding in and stealing Cinderella
"I leaned in towards those pictures to get a better look at one
When I heard a voice behind me say "Now, ain't she something, son?"
I said "Yes, she quite a woman"
and he just stared at me
Then I realized that in his eyes she would always be
"Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I'm Prince Charming
But to him I'm just some fella
Riding in and stealing Cinderella
"He slapped me on the shoulder
Then he called her in the room
When she threw her arms around him
That's when I could see it too
"Playing Cinderella
Riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can't blame the fella'
I'm the one who's stealing Cinderella"
See what I mean? :D
04 March 2008
More Starch Than a Potato
The wonders and glories of having a brother in CAP. One of the many surprises it has held for me (even though I'm not really supposed to be involved) is my intimate acquaintance with the particulars of starch.
At present, my lil' bother's uniform is freshly starched and ironed awaiting the meeting tonight. It could probably stand up by itself for a while, but when it did at last crumple into a heap, I would have to iron it again. And that I don't have time for.
The whole process takes me about an hour to an hour and half to do well. My lil' brother is not lil' in the sense of height and if each inch were equal to a year, I'd be almost 9 years his junior. Anyway, most of this length is in his legs, so the uniform is really long. And way too wide. But that's another story altogether.
By the end of the hour, my hands are completely covered in starch. The iron, ironing board, uniform and I are incredibly sticky, damp, and disgruntled. Alright, maybe the last part applies only to yours truly but there's enough frustration on my part that there is quite enough to go around.
So I'm sticky. And damp. However, most of the frustration has passed. I just hope the inspecting officer of the evening isn't too picky...
At present, my lil' bother's uniform is freshly starched and ironed awaiting the meeting tonight. It could probably stand up by itself for a while, but when it did at last crumple into a heap, I would have to iron it again. And that I don't have time for.
The whole process takes me about an hour to an hour and half to do well. My lil' brother is not lil' in the sense of height and if each inch were equal to a year, I'd be almost 9 years his junior. Anyway, most of this length is in his legs, so the uniform is really long. And way too wide. But that's another story altogether.
By the end of the hour, my hands are completely covered in starch. The iron, ironing board, uniform and I are incredibly sticky, damp, and disgruntled. Alright, maybe the last part applies only to yours truly but there's enough frustration on my part that there is quite enough to go around.
So I'm sticky. And damp. However, most of the frustration has passed. I just hope the inspecting officer of the evening isn't too picky...
03 March 2008
Double Trouble, but Double Joy
Mum and I just got back from bringing supper to a household that, six weeks ago today, welcomed two bundles of joy! Mum and Dad are Godparents to the little girl, so our family has a special interest in theirs.
Coral Sarai is the older of the twins...by twenty minutes. Named for her maternal grandmother she is as pink and cozy as any one could reasonably expect. She may be older, but she is quite a bit more petite than her brother. She's dainty and ladylike. At least, as much as can be expected of a baby in whom nature takes a higher precedence than decorum. She rarely grants you the satisfaction of looking at you, but is constantly staring at some inanimate object in the distance. Whether it be the clock or the lamp makes little difference -- she is always captivated by something else besides the person holding her.
George Nicholas IV's age would make him a proper recipient of the title "little," but his size does not. Born at five pounds six ounces, he is now quickly closing in on nine. He is in every respect the proper baby: round cheeks, soft head with a definite bald spot, and a propensity to gurgle in the most jolly way. He reliably makes a fuss whenever changed, but his personality at other times makes up for it quite completely. Unlike his sister, he is quite obliging when it comes to condescending to acknowledge your existence when you are cooing over him.
Both are adorable, precious, and beautiful babies! Despite the fact that their father on occasion tells them, "I really love you, but right now I don't like you very much" they are the recipients of much affectionate attention. A portion of which is given quite willingly by yours truly. :D
Coral Sarai is the older of the twins...by twenty minutes. Named for her maternal grandmother she is as pink and cozy as any one could reasonably expect. She may be older, but she is quite a bit more petite than her brother. She's dainty and ladylike. At least, as much as can be expected of a baby in whom nature takes a higher precedence than decorum. She rarely grants you the satisfaction of looking at you, but is constantly staring at some inanimate object in the distance. Whether it be the clock or the lamp makes little difference -- she is always captivated by something else besides the person holding her.
George Nicholas IV's age would make him a proper recipient of the title "little," but his size does not. Born at five pounds six ounces, he is now quickly closing in on nine. He is in every respect the proper baby: round cheeks, soft head with a definite bald spot, and a propensity to gurgle in the most jolly way. He reliably makes a fuss whenever changed, but his personality at other times makes up for it quite completely. Unlike his sister, he is quite obliging when it comes to condescending to acknowledge your existence when you are cooing over him.
Both are adorable, precious, and beautiful babies! Despite the fact that their father on occasion tells them, "I really love you, but right now I don't like you very much" they are the recipients of much affectionate attention. A portion of which is given quite willingly by yours truly. :D
Stereotypical Stereotypes
The plot: a man and woman discussing cars, presumably to buy one.
W: Ti piace questa macchina? (shows car from the '50s)
M: No, e troppo vecchia.
(do you like this machine? No, it's too old)
M: Ti piace questa macchina? (limousine)
W: Veramente no. E troppo grande.
(do you like this machine? Definately not. It's too big)
W: Ti piace questa macchina? (little put-put car with clown in it)
M: Veramente no. E troppo piccola.
(do you like this machine? Definately not. It's too small)
M: Ti piace questa maccina? (completely twisted and mangled wreck)
Beh, mi sarebbe piacuta prima dell'incidente.
(do you like this machine? so, I might have liked it before the accident)
But for the real stereotypical behavior:
W: Guarda quella piccola macchina gialla. E graziosa. Mi piace.
M: A me non piace. Penso che sia brutta.
W: Beh, io penso che sia graziosa.
W:There's that little yellow machine. It's gracious (I think cute is a better translation under the circumstances). I like it.
M:I don't like it. I think it is ugly
W: so, I think it's cute
And the other way:
W: Ti piace questa macchina?
M: Si, mi piacciono le macchine sportive rosse. Mi piace guidare velocemente.
W: Beh, le macchine sportive di qualsiasi colore sono veloci!
W: Do you like this machine?
M: Yes, I like red sports cars. I like driving fast cars.
W: So, the sports car of whichever color that is fast!
Summary: Girl likes cute car. Guy likes fast car. Sooooooo true!
W: Ti piace questa macchina? (shows car from the '50s)
M: No, e troppo vecchia.
(do you like this machine? No, it's too old)
M: Ti piace questa macchina? (limousine)
W: Veramente no. E troppo grande.
(do you like this machine? Definately not. It's too big)
W: Ti piace questa macchina? (little put-put car with clown in it)
M: Veramente no. E troppo piccola.
(do you like this machine? Definately not. It's too small)
M: Ti piace questa maccina? (completely twisted and mangled wreck)
Beh, mi sarebbe piacuta prima dell'incidente.
(do you like this machine? so, I might have liked it before the accident)
But for the real stereotypical behavior:
W: Guarda quella piccola macchina gialla. E graziosa. Mi piace.
M: A me non piace. Penso che sia brutta.
W: Beh, io penso che sia graziosa.
W:There's that little yellow machine. It's gracious (I think cute is a better translation under the circumstances). I like it.
M:I don't like it. I think it is ugly
W: so, I think it's cute
And the other way:
W: Ti piace questa macchina?
M: Si, mi piacciono le macchine sportive rosse. Mi piace guidare velocemente.
W: Beh, le macchine sportive di qualsiasi colore sono veloci!
W: Do you like this machine?
M: Yes, I like red sports cars. I like driving fast cars.
W: So, the sports car of whichever color that is fast!
Summary: Girl likes cute car. Guy likes fast car. Sooooooo true!
02 March 2008
God's Glory and Majesty Made Manifest
At 1:30 this afternoon, the mob loaded in the car and drove off for a venture. Destination: Pine Valley in East County.
It was a bit of a trek, but with some rollicking Irish tunes, and the beauty surrounding us, it wasn't unbearable. Orange, yellow, and purple flowers were growing abundantly on the sides of the bright green hills. The further up we went, the more wild and untamed the landscape became. The hills on either side of the freeway were like a dark green ocean, rolling gently. Sudden peaks and cliffs roared up like waves that climb but never fall. When we reached our destination, no pine tree was in sight. But, nothing daunted, we maintained our course. Suddenly, down a hill and around a bend, we looked upon what we had come to see. Like something out of a story book, with no connection to the world outside, lay a little town. And there were pine trees! Among the scrub so common in the local hills was the landscape one usually beholds in the mountains. But here I must make note that we were in the mountains. 4000 ft. elevation does describe most of the nearby mountain ranges. As we drove 'round the area, we found ourselves in the neighborhood were the locals have their residence. Modest, two room houses had their place next to grand, stone manors. Funny thing was, neither looked out of place. Part of the magic surrounding this place was that anything and everything old and beautiful fit in perfectly. Or maybe it was the effect of high altitude on my brain. I leave you to make your own judgment on that point.
Happy Sunday and blessed ventures to you all!
It was a bit of a trek, but with some rollicking Irish tunes, and the beauty surrounding us, it wasn't unbearable. Orange, yellow, and purple flowers were growing abundantly on the sides of the bright green hills. The further up we went, the more wild and untamed the landscape became. The hills on either side of the freeway were like a dark green ocean, rolling gently. Sudden peaks and cliffs roared up like waves that climb but never fall. When we reached our destination, no pine tree was in sight. But, nothing daunted, we maintained our course. Suddenly, down a hill and around a bend, we looked upon what we had come to see. Like something out of a story book, with no connection to the world outside, lay a little town. And there were pine trees! Among the scrub so common in the local hills was the landscape one usually beholds in the mountains. But here I must make note that we were in the mountains. 4000 ft. elevation does describe most of the nearby mountain ranges. As we drove 'round the area, we found ourselves in the neighborhood were the locals have their residence. Modest, two room houses had their place next to grand, stone manors. Funny thing was, neither looked out of place. Part of the magic surrounding this place was that anything and everything old and beautiful fit in perfectly. Or maybe it was the effect of high altitude on my brain. I leave you to make your own judgment on that point.
Happy Sunday and blessed ventures to you all!
Rainy Day Activity
Except it rarely rains in So-Cal, so I'm doing it on another spring-like winter day!
I got this in an email from my sister and was supposed to pass it on in a similar fashion, but I thought this would be more fun!
1. What is your occupation? whatever is helpful to the people who are around me
2. What color are your socks right now? Who wears socks?
3. What are you listening to right now? Mum's electric toothbrush and the sound of the keyboard being typed upon.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? A chocolate milkshake. Mmmmmmmmmm :D
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I have a hard enough time with a manual. I don't even want to think about the damage I could do in a stick shift
6. What color would you be, if you were a color? God would've made me a color if he wanted me to be one. But since He chose to put me on this good earth as a human, I have no choice except to consider that a ridiculous question.
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Probably Dad saying he was on his way home from work sometime during the last week. I don't talk on the phone much. Not enough friends :( hahaha, jk :D
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She's the best big sis anyone could ask for. She gives me ice cream with peanut butter.
9. How old are you today? 17 and three-quarters
10. Favorite drink? I LOVE H2O and I probably drink too much of it...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? figure skating... i don't know, is that a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? My hair is already dead.
13. Pets? Two adorable doggy-woggies who use their tongues not wisely, but too well
14. Favorite food? Almost anything Italian. But no mushrooms and not too many onions
15. Last movie you watched? Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
16. Favorite Day of the year? Any day that I can dress up for my King!
17. What do you do to vent anger? Cry. And cry. And cry some more. And then I go find chocolate
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Hmmmmm, tough one....I honestly can't remember any specific ones I had...hmmmmmmmmm
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring
20. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? If I email them, yes. But since I'm not emailing this, it isn't really applicable. In the strict sense.
22. Who is most likely to respond? Andrea usually responds to emails
23. Who is least likely to respond? I don't associate with people who have that little respect for me :P
24. Living arrangements? A house. Where else would I live? sheesh!
25. When was the last time you cried? Last weekend
26. Who is the friend you had the longest that you are sending this to? N/A
27. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending this to? N/A
28. Favorite smell? Fresh brewed coffee (but I greatly dislike the taste), new babies (clean, of course), a spring day, mountain air.
29. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? What is a spicy hamburger?
31. Favorite cat breed? The sociable kind
32. Number of keys on your key ring? I am entirely lacking keys
33. How many years at your current job? As a daughter: 17, as a student: 13, as a parish volunteer: 6 mons.
34. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
35. Who sent you this email? My beloved sister!
36. How many states have you lived in? One
Whew! Now it's your turn :)
I got this in an email from my sister and was supposed to pass it on in a similar fashion, but I thought this would be more fun!
1. What is your occupation? whatever is helpful to the people who are around me
2. What color are your socks right now? Who wears socks?
3. What are you listening to right now? Mum's electric toothbrush and the sound of the keyboard being typed upon.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? A chocolate milkshake. Mmmmmmmmmm :D
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I have a hard enough time with a manual. I don't even want to think about the damage I could do in a stick shift
6. What color would you be, if you were a color? God would've made me a color if he wanted me to be one. But since He chose to put me on this good earth as a human, I have no choice except to consider that a ridiculous question.
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Probably Dad saying he was on his way home from work sometime during the last week. I don't talk on the phone much. Not enough friends :( hahaha, jk :D
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? She's the best big sis anyone could ask for. She gives me ice cream with peanut butter.
9. How old are you today? 17 and three-quarters
10. Favorite drink? I LOVE H2O and I probably drink too much of it...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? figure skating... i don't know, is that a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? My hair is already dead.
13. Pets? Two adorable doggy-woggies who use their tongues not wisely, but too well
14. Favorite food? Almost anything Italian. But no mushrooms and not too many onions
15. Last movie you watched? Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
16. Favorite Day of the year? Any day that I can dress up for my King!
17. What do you do to vent anger? Cry. And cry. And cry some more. And then I go find chocolate
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Hmmmmm, tough one....I honestly can't remember any specific ones I had...hmmmmmmmmm
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring
20. Cherry or Blueberry? Cherry
21. Do you want your friends to email you back? If I email them, yes. But since I'm not emailing this, it isn't really applicable. In the strict sense.
22. Who is most likely to respond? Andrea usually responds to emails
23. Who is least likely to respond? I don't associate with people who have that little respect for me :P
24. Living arrangements? A house. Where else would I live? sheesh!
25. When was the last time you cried? Last weekend
26. Who is the friend you had the longest that you are sending this to? N/A
27. Who is the friend you have had the shortest that you are sending this to? N/A
28. Favorite smell? Fresh brewed coffee (but I greatly dislike the taste), new babies (clean, of course), a spring day, mountain air.
29. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? What is a spicy hamburger?
31. Favorite cat breed? The sociable kind
32. Number of keys on your key ring? I am entirely lacking keys
33. How many years at your current job? As a daughter: 17, as a student: 13, as a parish volunteer: 6 mons.
34. Favorite day of the week? Sunday
35. Who sent you this email? My beloved sister!
36. How many states have you lived in? One
Whew! Now it's your turn :)
01 March 2008
Fabric, fabric, fabric
Ah, the wonders of wandering into the local fabric store! Shelf upon shelf of various colored fabrics surround you. It's almost like a jungle. Not that I've ever been in a jungle...but I can image, can't I?
I just got back from an excursion laden with $60 worth of fabric. Right now they are merely 10 spring-hued yards of cotton and cotton-poly blends, but in a couple of weeks (tops) I should have an Easter dress for me and an Easter skirt for Mom. I'll post pictures when I'm done...
I just got back from an excursion laden with $60 worth of fabric. Right now they are merely 10 spring-hued yards of cotton and cotton-poly blends, but in a couple of weeks (tops) I should have an Easter dress for me and an Easter skirt for Mom. I'll post pictures when I'm done...
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